Article Title

Lipid Management Study Shows Value of Electronic Health Records in Improving Quality of Care

Authors

James Gill, MD, MPH, President of Delaware Valley Outcomes Research and Associate Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Jefferson Medical College

Abstract

Despite evidence that controlling cardiovascular risk factors reduces cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality in persons with and without coronary heart disease, research has shown that physicians in clinical practice often do not follow national guideline recommendations for the detection and treatment of hyperlipidemia. In addition to promoting better organization of patient data such as medications and test results, studies have concluded that computerized systems, including the electronic health record (EHR), can aid in improving the quality of care by:

• Providing automated reminders of needed tests.

• Highlighting detection/ treatment guidelines during office visits.

Although several studies showed improvement in lipid testing when EHR aids were used, few examined the impact of the EHR on lipid control (ie, test outcomes).

Recommended Citation

Gill, MD, MPH, James (2008) "Lipid Management Study Shows Value of Electronic Health Records in Improving Quality of Care," Prescriptions for Excellence in Health Care Newsletter Supplement: Vol. 1: Iss. 3, Article 5.
Available at: http://jdc.jefferson.edu/pehc/vol1/iss3/5